The number of people sleeping on the streets increased by 30% between 2014-15. How do we ensure that those faced with end of life issues, who don't have a roof over their head, aren't marginalised even more at a time when they are particularly vulnerable?

June was an apt time to consider the use of volunteers in palliative care, with Volunteers' Week taking place from the 1st - 12th. To celebrate this, we thought we would talk to one of St. Margaret's Events Volunteers, Candi Sheppard.

To face future challenges, the 'Fit for Future' interim report has identified the need for St. Margaret's to sustain and grow its workforce, including the critical bank of volunteers. Currently, over 1,200 volunteers help St. Margaret's Hospice care for people at the end of their lives. As we move into the future however, how can we grow and utilise volunteers in palliative care?

Traditional methods of delivering palliative care are under the spotlight due to a growing population combined with funding cuts. These same challenges have simultaneously resulted in a rise in homelessness in the UK. How can we ensure that those in need of end of life care without a roof over their heads don't fall by the wayside?

Following a six-month consultation process, the 'Fit for Future' interim report shows that a number of key challenges face the delivery of quality end of life care in Somerset, including increased competition for funding and a need for better integration of healthcare services.

As part of Dying Matters Awareness week, we asked members of St. Margaret's staff to consider what they may like to say in their 'Emotional Will' - a document that would detail thoughts, messages and requests they would like to leave their loved ones, rather than objects. Read what Lead Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist, Ali Batchelor, had to say.

Following the sad passing of Camilla Wilson, her family thought it would be fitting to round off her blogs with a final collection of thoughts, written by all of the family and voiced by one of Camilla’s children.